Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 13:51:42 -0400
To: bhaskar-AT-jefferson.village.Virginia.EDU
From: Doug Porpora <porporad-AT-duvm.ocs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Re: BHA: Re: Math and probability


Hi Tobin,

Hmm.  Good question. As you put it, I think it is the relations that exist
independent of us. We invent the mathematical objects, which we then
(logically or empirically) discover have relational properties we didn't
know they had.  They have those properties whether we know it or not.  If
by maths you mean just the objects, then I would say it is the relations
that are independent.  But I think math is just the  structural analysis of
invented mathematical objects.  I don't think the mind-independence of
relations is limited to mathematics.  I think the same thing applies to
social life and to other ideas for similar reasons.

doug

doug porpora
dept of psych and sociology
drexel university
phila pa 19104
USA

porporad-AT-duvm.ocs.drexel.edu




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